Wireless Power Receiver Clients With Dynamically Reconfigurable Antenna Configurations

ABSTRACT

The technology described herein relates to wireless power receivers with reconfigurable (or adaptive) antenna configurations for improved wireless power transfer in multipath wireless power delivery environments. In an implementation, a wireless power receiver is described. The wireless power receiver includes one or more radio frequency (RF) antennas, power metering circuitry and control circuitry. The power metering circuitry is adapted to measure at least one characteristic of wireless power received from a wireless power transmission system in a multipath environment. The control circuitry is adapted to monitor the power metering circuitry to determine when the measure of the at least one characteristic of the wireless power fails to meet a preset threshold, and dynamically reconfigure an antenna configuration of the wireless power receiver when the at least one characteristic of the wireless power fails to meet the preset threshold.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent ApplicationNo. 62/338,086, filed May 18, 2016, titled “Reconfigurable ClientAntennas for Improved Wireless Power Transfer in Multipath WirelessPower Delivery Environments,” which is hereby incorporated by referencein its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The technology described herein relates generally to the field ofwireless power transmission and, more specifically, to wireless powerreceivers with reconfigurable antenna configurations for improvedwireless power transfer in multipath wireless power deliveryenvironments.

BACKGROUND

Many electronic devices are powered by batteries. Rechargeable batteriesare often used to avoid the cost of replacing conventional dry-cellbatteries and to conserve precious resources. However, rechargingbatteries with conventional rechargeable battery chargers requiresaccess to an alternating current (AC) power outlet, which is sometimesnot available or not convenient. It is, therefore, desirable to derivepower for electronics wirelessly.

Accordingly, a need exists for technology that overcomes the problemdemonstrated above, as well as one that provides additional benefits.The examples provided herein of some prior or related systems and theirassociated limitations are intended to be illustrative and notexclusive. Other limitations of existing or prior systems will becomeapparent to those of skill in the art upon reading the followingDetailed Description.

SUMMARY

Examples discussed herein relate to wireless power receivers withreconfigurable (or adaptive) antenna configurations for improvedwireless power transfer in multipath wireless power deliveryenvironments. In an implementation, a wireless power receiver apparatusis described. The wireless power receiver apparatus includes one or moreradio frequency (RF) antennas, power metering circuitry and controlcircuitry. The power metering circuitry is adapted to measure at leastone characteristic of wireless power received from a wireless powertransmission system in a multipath environment. The control circuitry isadapted to monitor the power metering circuitry to determine when themeasure of the at least one characteristic of the wireless power failsto meet a preset threshold, and dynamically reconfigure an antennaconfiguration of the wireless power receiver when the at least onecharacteristic of the wireless power fails to meet the preset threshold.

This Overview is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in asimplified form that are further described below in the TechnicalDisclosure. It may be understood that this Overview is not intended toidentify key features or essential features of the claimed subjectmatter, nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the claimedsubject matter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

One or more embodiments of the present invention are illustrated by wayof example and not limitation in the figures of the accompanyingdrawings, in which like references indicate similar elements.

FIG. 1 depicts a block diagram including an example wireless powerdelivery environment illustrating wireless power delivery from one ormore wireless power transmission systems to various wireless deviceswithin the wireless power delivery environment in accordance with someembodiments.

FIG. 2 depicts a sequence diagram illustrating example operationsbetween a wireless power transmission system and a wireless receiverclient for commencing wireless power delivery in accordance with someembodiments.

FIG. 3 depicts a block diagram illustrating example components of awireless power transmission system in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 4 depicts a block diagram illustrating example components of awireless power receiver client in accordance with some embodiments.

FIGS. 5A and 5B depict diagrams illustrating an example multipathwireless power delivery environment in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 6 depicts a flow diagram illustrating an example process fordetermining whether to reconfigure a radiation and reception pattern(“antenna pattern”) of a client antenna (or client antenna array),according to some embodiments.

FIG. 7 depicts a flow diagram illustrating an example process forreconfiguring a wireless power receiver's antenna configuration toimprove wireless power transfer, according to some embodiments.

FIGS. 8A and 8B depict diagrams illustrating an example patternreconfigurable client antenna in a multipath wireless power deliveryenvironment, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 9 depict a diagram illustrating an example polarizationreconfigurable antenna in a multipath wireless power deliveryenvironment, according to some embodiments.

FIGS. 10A and 10B depict block diagrams illustrating an examplereconfigurable gain/beam-width switchable antenna array, according tosome embodiments.

FIGS. 11A and 11B illustrate side views of example beam widths using allfour antennas and using only one of the antennas, respectively,according to some embodiments.

FIG. 12 depicts a block diagram illustrating an example reconfigurableswitchable antenna array, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 13 depicts a block diagram illustrating example components of arepresentative mobile device or tablet computer with one or morewireless power receiver clients in the form of a mobile (or smart) phoneor tablet computer device in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 14 depicts a diagrammatic representation of a machine, in theexample form, of a computer system within which a set of instructions,for causing the machine to perform any one or more of the methodologiesdiscussed herein, may be executed.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following description and drawings are illustrative and are not tobe construed as limiting. Numerous specific details are described toprovide a thorough understanding of the disclosure. However, in certaininstances, well-known or conventional details are not described in orderto avoid obscuring the description. References to one or an embodimentin the present disclosure can be, but not necessarily are, references tothe same embodiment; and, such references mean at least one of theembodiments.

Reference in this specification to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment”means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic describedin connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodimentof the disclosure. The appearances of the phrase “in one embodiment” invarious places in the specification are not necessarily all referring tothe same embodiment, nor are separate or alternative embodimentsmutually exclusive of other embodiments. Moreover, various features aredescribed which may be exhibited by some embodiments and not by others.Similarly, various requirements are described which may be requirementsfor some embodiments but no other embodiments.

The terms used in this specification generally have their ordinarymeanings in the art, within the context of the disclosure, and in thespecific context where each term is used. Certain terms that are used todescribe the disclosure are discussed below, or elsewhere in thespecification, to provide additional guidance to the practitionerregarding the description of the disclosure. For convenience, certainterms may be highlighted, for example using italics and/or quotationmarks. The use of highlighting has no influence on the scope and meaningof a term; the scope and meaning of a term is the same, in the samecontext, whether or not it is highlighted. It will be appreciated thatsame thing can be said in more than one way.

Consequently, alternative language and synonyms may be used for any oneor more of the terms discussed herein, nor is any special significanceto be placed upon whether or not a term is elaborated or discussedherein. Synonyms for certain terms are provided. A recital of one ormore synonyms does not exclude the use of other synonyms. The use ofexamples anywhere in this specification, including examples of any termsdiscussed herein, is illustrative only, and is not intended to furtherlimit the scope and meaning of the disclosure or of any exemplifiedterm. Likewise, the disclosure is not limited to various embodimentsgiven in this specification.

Without intent to further limit the scope of the disclosure, examples ofinstruments, apparatus, methods and their related results according tothe embodiments of the present disclosure are given below. Note thattitles or subtitles may be used in the examples for convenience of areader, which in no way should limit the scope of the disclosure. Unlessotherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein havethe same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in theart to which this disclosure pertains. In the case of conflict, thepresent document, including definitions, will control.

Any headings provided herein are for convenience only and do notnecessarily affect the scope or meaning of the claimed invention.

I. Wireless Power Transmission System Overview/Architecture

FIG. 1 depicts a block diagram including an example wireless powerdelivery environment 100 illustrating wireless power delivery from oneor more wireless power transmission systems (WPTS) 101 a-n (alsoreferred to as “wireless power delivery systems”, “antenna arraysystems” and “wireless chargers”) to various wireless devices 102 a-nwithin the wireless power delivery environment 100, according to someembodiments. More specifically, FIG. 1 illustrates an example wirelesspower delivery environment 100 in which wireless power and/or data canbe delivered to available wireless devices 102 a-102 n having one ormore wireless power receiver clients 103 a-103 n (also referred toherein as “clients” and “wireless power receivers”). The wireless powerreceiver clients are configured to receive and process wireless powerfrom one or more wireless power transmission systems 101 a-101 n.Components of an example wireless power receiver client 103 are shownand discussed in greater detail with reference to FIG. 4.

As shown in the example of FIG. 1, the wireless devices 102 a-102 ninclude mobile phone devices and a wireless game controller. However,the wireless devices 102 a-102 n can be any device or system that needspower and is capable of receiving wireless power via one or moreintegrated wireless power receiver clients 103 a-103 n. As discussedherein, the one or more integrated wireless power receiver clientsreceive and process power from one or more wireless power transmissionsystems 101 a-101 n and provide the power to the wireless devices 102a-102 n (or internal batteries of the wireless devices) for operationthereof.

Each wireless power transmission system 101 can include multipleantennas 104 a-n, e.g., an antenna array including hundreds or thousandsof antennas, which are capable of delivering wireless power to wirelessdevices 102 a-102 n. In some embodiments, the antennas areadaptively-phased RF antennas. The wireless power transmission system101 is capable of determining the appropriate phases with which todeliver a coherent power transmission signal to the wireless powerreceiver clients 103 a-103 n. The array is configured to emit a signal(e.g., continuous wave or pulsed power transmission signal) frommultiple antennas at a specific phase relative to each other. It isappreciated that use of the term “array” does not necessarily limit theantenna array to any specific array structure. That is, the antennaarray does not need to be structured in a specific “array” form orgeometry. Furthermore, as used herein the term “array” or “array system”may include related and peripheral circuitry for signal generation,reception and transmission, such as radios, digital logic and modems. Insome embodiments, the wireless power transmission system 101 can have anembedded Wi-Fi hub for data communications via one or more antennas ortransceivers.

The wireless devices 102 can include one or more wireless power receiverclients 103. As illustrated in the example of FIG. 1, power deliveryantennas 104 a-104 n are shown. The power delivery antennas 104 a areconfigured to provide delivery of wireless radio frequency power in thewireless power delivery environment. In some embodiments, one or more ofthe power delivery antennas 104 a-104 n can alternatively oradditionally be configured for data communications in addition to or inlieu of wireless power delivery. The one or more data communicationantennas are configured to send data communications to and receive datacommunications from the wireless power receiver clients 103 a-103 nand/or the wireless devices 102 a-102 n. In some embodiments, the datacommunication antennas can communicate via Bluetooth™, Wi-Fi™, ZigBee™,etc. Other data communication protocols are also possible.

Each wireless power receiver client 103 a-103 n includes one or moreantennas (not shown) for receiving signals from the wireless powertransmission systems 101 a-101 n. Likewise, each wireless powertransmission system 101 a-101 n includes an antenna array having one ormore antennas and/or sets of antennas capable of emitting continuouswave or discrete (pulse) signals at specific phases relative to eachother. As discussed above, each the wireless power transmission systems101 a-101 n is capable of determining the appropriate phases fordelivering the coherent signals to the wireless power receiver clients102 a-102 n. For example, in some embodiments, coherent signals can bedetermined by computing the complex conjugate of a received beacon (orcalibration) signal at each antenna of the array such that the coherentsignal is phased for delivering power to the particular wireless powerreceiver client that transmitted the beacon (or calibration) signal.

Although not illustrated, each component of the environment, e.g.,wireless device, wireless power transmission system, etc., can includecontrol and synchronization mechanisms, e.g., a data communicationsynchronization module. The wireless power transmission systems 101a-101 n can be connected to a power source such as, for example, a poweroutlet or source connecting the wireless power transmission systems to astandard or primary AC power supply in a building. Alternatively, oradditionally, one or more of the wireless power transmission systems 101a-101 n can be powered by a battery or via other mechanisms, e.g., solarcells, etc.

The wireless power receiver clients 102 a-102 n and/or the wirelesspower transmission systems 101 a-101 n are configured to operate in amultipath wireless power delivery environment. That is, the wirelesspower receiver clients 102 a-102 n and the wireless power transmissionsystems 101 a-101 n are configured to utilize reflective objects 106such as, for example, walls or other RF reflective obstructions withinrange to transmit beacon (or calibration) signals and/or receivewireless power and/or data within the wireless power deliveryenvironment. The reflective objects 106 can be utilized formulti-directional signal communication regardless of whether a blockingobject is in the line of sight between the wireless power transmissionsystem and the wireless power receiver clients 103 a-103 n.

As described herein, each wireless device 102 a-102 n can be any systemand/or device, and/or any combination of devices/systems that canestablish a connection with another device, a server and/or othersystems within the example environment 100. In some embodiments, thewireless devices 102 a-102 n include displays or other outputfunctionalities to present data to a user and/or input functionalitiesto receive data from the user. By way of example, a wireless device 102can be, but is not limited to, a video game controller, a serverdesktop, a desktop computer, a computer cluster, a mobile computingdevice such as a notebook, a laptop computer, a handheld computer, amobile phone, a smart phone, a PDA, a Blackberry device, a Treo, and/oran iPhone, etc. By way of example and not limitation, the wirelessdevice 102 can also be any wearable device such as watches, necklaces,rings or even devices embedded on or within the customer. Other examplesof a wireless device 102 include, but are not limited to, safety sensors(e.g., fire or carbon monoxide), electric toothbrushes, electronic doorlock/handles, electric light switch controller, electric shavers, etc.

Although not illustrated in the example of FIG. 1, the wireless powertransmission system 101 and the wireless power receiver clients 103a-103 n can each include a data communication module for communicationvia a data channel. Alternatively, or additionally, the wireless powerreceiver clients 103 a-103 n can direct the wireless devices 102 a-102 nto communicate with the wireless power transmission system via existingdata communications modules. In some embodiments, the beacon signal,which is primarily referred to herein as a continuous waveform, canalternatively or additionally take the form of a modulated signal.

FIG. 2 depicts a sequence diagram 200 illustrating example operationsbetween a wireless power delivery system (e.g., WPTS 101) and a wirelesspower receiver client (e.g., wireless power receiver client 103) forestablishing wireless power delivery in a multipath wireless powerdelivery, according to an embodiment. Initially, communication isestablished between the wireless power transmission system 101 and thepower receiver client 103. The initial communication can be, forexample, a data communication link that is established via one or moreantennas 104 of the wireless power transmission system 101. Asdiscussed, in some embodiments, one or more of the antennas 104 a-104 ncan be data antennas, wireless power transmission antennas, ordual-purpose data/power antennas. Various information can be exchangedbetween the wireless power transmission system 101 and the wirelesspower receiver client 103 over this data communication channel. Forexample, wireless power signaling can be time sliced among variousclients in a wireless power delivery environment. In such cases, thewireless power transmission system 101 can send beacon scheduleinformation, e.g., Beacon Beat Schedule (BBS) cycle, power cycleinformation, etc., so that the wireless power receiver client 103 knowswhen to transmit (broadcast) its beacon signals and when to listen forpower, etc.

Continuing with the example of FIG. 2, the wireless power transmissionsystem 101 selects one or more wireless power receiver clients forreceiving power and sends the beacon schedule information to the selectwireless power receiver clients 103. The wireless power transmissionsystem 101 can also send power transmission scheduling information sothat the wireless power receiver client 103 knows when to expect (e.g.,a window of time) wireless power from the wireless power transmissionsystem. The wireless power receiver client 103 then generates a beacon(or calibration) signal and broadcasts the beacon during an assignedbeacon transmission window (or time slice) indicated by the beaconschedule information, e.g., BBS cycle. As discussed herein, the wirelesspower receiver client 103 includes one or more antennas (ortransceivers) which have a radiation and reception pattern inthree-dimensional space proximate to the wireless device 102 in whichthe wireless power receiver client 103 is embedded.

The wireless power transmission system 101 receives the beacon from thepower receiver client 103 and detects and/or otherwise measures thephase (or direction) from which the beacon signal is received atmultiple antennas. The wireless power transmission system 101 thendelivers wireless power to the power receiver client 103 from themultiple antennas 103 based on the detected or measured phase (ordirection) of the received beacon at each of the corresponding antennas.In some embodiments, the wireless power transmission system 101determines the complex conjugate of the measured phase of the beacon anduses the complex conjugate to determine a transmit phase that configuresthe antennas for delivering and/or otherwise directing wireless power tothe wireless power receiver client 103 via the same path over which thebeacon signal was received from the wireless power receiver client 103.

In some embodiments, the wireless power transmission system 101 includesmany antennas. One or more of the many antennas may be used to deliverpower to the power receiver client 103. The wireless power transmissionsystem 101 can detect and/or otherwise determine or measure phases atwhich the beacon signals are received at each antenna. The large numberof antennas may result in different phases of the beacon signal beingreceived at each antenna of the wireless power transmission system 101.As discussed above, the wireless power transmission system 101 candetermine the complex conjugate of the beacon signals received at eachantenna. Using the complex conjugates, one or more antennas may emit asignal that takes into account the effects of the large number ofantennas in the wireless power transmission system 101. In other words,the wireless power transmission system 101 can emit a wireless powertransmission signal from the one or more antennas in such a way as tocreate an aggregate signal from the one or more of the antennas thatapproximately recreates the waveform of the beacon in the oppositedirection. Said another way, the wireless power transmission system 101can deliver wireless RF power to the wireless power receiver clients viathe same paths over which the beacon signal is received at the wirelesspower transmission system 101. These paths can utilize reflectiveobjects 106 within the environment. Additionally, the wireless powertransmission signals can be simultaneously transmitted from the wirelesspower transmission system 101 such that the wireless power transmissionsignals collectively match the antenna radiation and reception patternof the client device in a three-dimensional (3D) space proximate to theclient device.

As shown, the beacon (or calibration) signals can be periodicallytransmitted by wireless power receiver clients 103 within the powerdelivery environment according to, for example, the BBS, so that thewireless power transmission system 101 can maintain knowledge and/orotherwise track the location of the power receiver clients 103 in thewireless power delivery environment. The process of receiving beaconsignals from a wireless power receiver client 103 at the wireless powertransmission system and, in turn, responding with wireless powerdirected to that particular wireless power receiver client is referredto herein as retrodirective wireless power delivery.

Furthermore, as discussed herein, wireless power can be delivered inpower cycles defined by power schedule information. A more detailedexample of the signaling required to commence wireless power delivery isdescribed now with reference to FIG. 3.

FIG. 3 depicts a block diagram illustrating example components of awireless power transmission system 300, in accordance with anembodiment. As illustrated in the example of FIG. 3, the wirelesscharger 300 includes a master bus controller (MBC) board and multiplemezzanine boards that collectively comprise the antenna array. The MBCincludes control logic 310, an external data interface (I/F) 315, anexternal power interface (I/F) 320, a communication block 330 and proxy340. The mezzanine (or antenna array boards 350) each include multipleantennas 360 a-360 n. Some or all of the components can be omitted insome embodiments. Additional components are also possible. For example,in some embodiments only one of communication block 330 or proxy 340 maybe included.

The control logic 310 is configured to provide control and intelligenceto the array components. The control logic 310 may comprise one or moreprocessors, FPGAs, memory units, etc., and direct and control thevarious data and power communications. The communication block 330 candirect data communications on a data carrier frequency, such as the basesignal clock for clock synchronization. The data communications can beBluetooth™, Wi-Fi™, ZigBee™, etc., including combinations or variationsthereof. Likewise, the proxy 340 can communicate with clients via datacommunications as discussed herein. The data communications can be, byway of example and not limitation, Bluetooth™, Wi-Fi™, ZigBee™, etc.Other communication protocols are possible.

In some embodiments, the control logic 310 can also facilitate and/orotherwise enable data aggregation for Internet of Things (IoT) devices.In some embodiments, wireless power receiver clients can access, trackand/or otherwise obtain IoT information about the device in which thewireless power receiver client is embedded and provide that IoTinformation to the wireless power transmission system 300 over a dataconnection. This IoT information can be provided to via an external datainterface 315 to a central or cloud-based system (not shown) where thedata can be aggregated, processed, etc. For example, the central systemcan process the data to identify various trends across geographies,wireless power transmission systems, environments, devices, etc. In someembodiments, the aggregated data and or the trend data can be used toimprove operation of the devices via remote updates, etc. Alternatively,or additionally, in some embodiments, the aggregated data can beprovided to third party data consumers. In this manner, the wirelesspower transmission system acts as a Gateway or Enabler for the IoTs. Byway of example and not limitation, the IoT information can includecapabilities of the device in which the wireless power receiver clientis embedded, usage information of the device, power levels of thedevice, information obtained by the device or the wireless powerreceiver client itself, e.g., via sensors, etc.

The external power interface 320 is configured to receive external powerand provide the power to various components. In some embodiments, theexternal power interface 320 may be configured to receive a standardexternal 24 Volt power supply. In other embodiments, the external powerinterface 320 can be, for example, 120/240 Volt AC mains to an embeddedDC power supply which sources the required 12/24/48 Volt DC to providethe power to various components. Alternatively, the external powerinterface could be a DC supply which sources the required 12/24/48 VoltsDC. Alternative configurations are also possible.

In operation, the MBC, which controls the wireless power transmissionsystem 300, receives power from a power source and is activated. The MBCthen activates the proxy antenna elements on the wireless powertransmission system and the proxy antenna elements enter a default“discovery” mode to identify available wireless receiver clients withinrange of the wireless power transmission system. When a client is found,the antenna elements on the wireless power transmission system power on,enumerate, and (optionally) calibrate.

The MBC then generates beacon transmission scheduling information andpower transmission scheduling information during a scheduling process.The scheduling process includes selection of power receiver clients. Forexample, the MBC can select power receiver clients for powertransmission and generate a BBS cycle and a Power Schedule (PS) for theselected wireless power receiver clients. As discussed herein, the powerreceiver clients can be selected based on their corresponding propertiesand/or requirements.

In some embodiments, the MBC can also identify and/or otherwise selectavailable clients that will have their status queried in the ClientQuery Table (CQT). Clients that are placed in the CQT are those on“standby”, e.g., not receiving a charge. The BBS and PS are calculatedbased on vital information about the clients such as, for example,battery status, current activity/usage, how much longer the client hasuntil it runs out of power, priority in terms of usage, etc.

The Proxy Antenna Element (AE) broadcasts the BBS to all clients. Asdiscussed herein, the BBS indicates when each client should send abeacon. Likewise, the PS indicates when and to which clients the arrayshould send power to and when clients should listen for wireless power.Each client starts broadcasting its beacon and receiving power from thearray per the BBS and PS. The Proxy AE can concurrently query the ClientQuery Table to check the status of other available clients. In someembodiments, a client can only exist in the BBS or the CQT (e.g.,waitlist), but not in both. The information collected in the previousstep continuously and/or periodically updates the BBS cycle and/or thePS.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating example components of a wirelesspower receiver client 400, in accordance with some embodiments. Asillustrated in the example of FIG. 4, the receiver 400 includes controllogic 410, battery 420, an IoT control module 425, communication block430 and associated antenna 470, power meter 440, rectifier 450, acombiner 455, beacon signal generator 460, beacon coding unit 462 and anassociated antenna 480, and switch 465 connecting the rectifier 450 orthe beacon signal generator 460 to one or more associated antennas 490a-n. Some or all of the components can be omitted in some embodiments.For example, in some embodiments, the wireless power receiver client 400does not include its own antennas but instead utilizes and/or otherwiseshares one or more antennas (e.g., Wi-Fi antenna) of the wireless devicein which the wireless power receiver client is embedded. Moreover, insome embodiments, the wireless power receiver client may include asingle antenna that provides data transmission functionality as well aspower/data reception functionality. Additional components are alsopossible.

A combiner 455 receives and combines the received power transmissionsignals from the power transmitter in the event that the receiver 400has more than one antenna. The combiner can be any combiner or dividercircuit that is configured to achieve isolation between the output portswhile maintaining a matched condition. For example, the combiner 455 canbe a Wilkinson Power Divider circuit. The rectifier 450 receives thecombined power transmission signal from the combiner 455, if present,which is fed through the power meter 440 to the battery 420 forcharging. In other embodiments, each antenna's power path can have itsown rectifier 450 and the DC power out of the rectifiers is combinedprior to feeding the power meter 440. The power meter 440 can measurethe received power signal strength and provides the control logic 410with this measurement.

Battery 420 can include protection circuitry and/or monitoringfunctions. Additionally, the battery 420 can include one or morefeatures, including, but not limited to, current limiting, temperatureprotection, over/under voltage alerts and protection, and coulombmonitoring.

The control logic 410 receives and processes the battery power levelfrom the battery 420 itself. The control logic 410 may alsotransmit/receive via the communication block 430 a data signal on a datacarrier frequency, such as the base signal clock for clocksynchronization. The beacon signal generator 460 generates the beaconsignal, or calibration signal, transmits the beacon signal using eitherthe antenna 480 or 490 after the beacon signal is encoded.

It may be noted that, although the battery 420 is shown as charged by,and providing power to, the wireless power receiver client 400, thereceiver may also receive its power directly from the rectifier 450.This may be in addition to the rectifier 450 providing charging currentto the battery 420, or in lieu of providing charging. Also, it may benoted that the use of multiple antennas is one example of implementationand the structure may be reduced to one shared antenna.

In some embodiments, the control logic 410 and/or the IoT control module425 can communicate with and/or otherwise derive IoT information fromthe device in which the wireless power receiver client 400 is embedded.Although not shown, in some embodiments, the wireless power receiverclient 400 can have one or more data connections (wired or wireless)with the device in which the wireless power receiver client 400 isembedded over which IoT information can be obtained. Alternatively, oradditionally, IoT information can be determined and/or inferred by thewireless power receiver client 400, e.g., via one or more sensors. Asdiscussed above, the IoT information can include, but is not limited to,information about the capabilities of the device in which the wirelesspower receiver client 400 is embedded, usage information of the devicein which the wireless power receiver client 400 is embedded, powerlevels of the battery or batteries of the device in which the wirelesspower receiver client 400 is embedded, and/or information obtained orinferred by the device in which the wireless power receiver client isembedded or the wireless power receiver client itself, e.g., viasensors, etc.

In some embodiments, a client identifier (ID) module 415 stores a clientID that can uniquely identify the wireless power receiver client 400 ina wireless power delivery environment. For example, the ID can betransmitted to one or more wireless power transmission systems whencommunication is established. In some embodiments, wireless powerreceiver clients may also be able to receive and identify other wirelesspower receiver clients in a wireless power delivery environment based onthe client ID.

An optional motion sensor 495 can detect motion and signal the controllogic 410 to act accordingly. For example, a device receiving power mayintegrate motion detection mechanisms such as accelerometers orequivalent mechanisms to detect motion. Once the device detects that itis in motion, it may be assumed that it is being handled by a user, andwould trigger a signal to the array to either to stop transmittingpower, or to lower the power transmitted to the device. In someembodiments, when a device is used in a moving environment like a car,train or plane, the power might only be transmitted intermittently or ata reduced level unless the device is critically low on power.

FIGS. 5A and 5B depict diagrams illustrating an example multipathwireless power delivery environment 500, according to some embodiments.The multipath wireless power delivery environment 500 includes a useroperating a wireless device 502 including one or more wireless powerreceiver clients 503. The wireless device 502 and the one or morewireless power receiver clients 503 can be wireless device 102 of FIG. 1and wireless power receiver client 103 of FIG. 1 or wireless powerreceiver client 400 of FIG. 4, respectively, although alternativeconfigurations are possible. Likewise, wireless power transmissionsystem 501 can be wireless power transmission system 101 FIG. 1 orwireless power transmission system 300 of FIG. 3, although alternativeconfigurations are possible. The multipath wireless power deliveryenvironment 500 includes reflective objects 506 and various absorptiveobjects, e.g., users, or humans, furniture, etc.

Wireless device 502 includes one or more antennas (or transceivers) thathave a radiation and reception pattern 510 in three-dimensional spaceproximate to the wireless device 102. The one or more antennas (ortransceivers) can be wholly or partially included as part of thewireless device 102 and/or the wireless power receiver client (notshown). For example, in some embodiments one or more antennas, e.g.,Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, etc. of the wireless device 502 can be utilized and/orotherwise shared for wireless power reception. As shown in the exampleof FIGS. 5A and 5B, the radiation and reception pattern 510 comprises alobe pattern with a primary lobe and multiple side lobes. Other patternsare also possible.

The wireless device 502 transmits a beacon (or calibration) signal overmultiple paths to the wireless power transmission system 501. Asdiscussed herein, the wireless device 502 transmits the beacon in thedirection of the radiation and reception pattern 510 such that thestrength of the received beacon signal by the wireless powertransmission system, e.g., received signal strength indication (RSSI),depends on the radiation and reception pattern 510. For example, beaconsignals are not transmitted where there are nulls in the radiation andreception pattern 510 and beacon signals are the strongest at the peaksin the radiation and reception pattern 510, e.g., peak of the primarylobe. As shown in the example of FIG. 5A, the wireless device 502transmits beacon signals over five paths P1-P5. Paths P4 and P5 areblocked by reflective and/or absorptive object 506. The wireless powertransmission system 501 receives beacon signals of increasing strengthsvia paths P1-P3. The bolder lines indicate stronger signals. In someembodiments, the beacon signals are directionally transmitted in thismanner, for example, to avoid unnecessary RF energy exposure to theuser.

A fundamental property of antennas is that the receiving pattern(sensitivity as a function of direction) of an antenna when used forreceiving is identical to the far-field radiation pattern of the antennawhen used for transmitting. This is a consequence of the reciprocitytheorem in electromagnetism. As shown in the example of FIGS. 5A and 5B,the radiation and reception pattern 510 is a three-dimensional lobeshape. However, the radiation and reception pattern 510 can be anynumber of shapes depending on the type or types, e.g., horn antennas,simple vertical antenna, etc. used in the antenna design. For example,the radiation and reception pattern 510 can comprise various directivepatterns. Any number of different antenna radiation and receptionpatterns are possible for each of multiple client devices in a wirelesspower delivery environment.

Referring again to FIG. 5A, the wireless power transmission system 501receives the beacon (or calibration) signal via multiple paths P1-P3 atmultiple antennas or transceivers. As shown, paths P2 and P3 are directline of sight paths while path P1 is a non-line of sight path. Once thebeacon (or calibration) signal is received by the wireless powertransmission system 501, the power transmission system 501 processes thebeacon (or calibration) signal to determine one or more receivecharacteristics of the beacon signal at each of the multiple antennas.For example, among other operations, the wireless power transmissionsystem 501 can measure the phases at which the beacon signal is receivedat each of the multiple antennas or transceivers.

The wireless power transmission system 501 processes the one or morereceive characteristics of the beacon signal at each of the multipleantennas to determine or measure one or more wireless power transmitcharacteristics for each of the multiple RF transceivers based on theone or more receive characteristics of the beacon (or calibration)signal as measured at the corresponding antenna or transceiver. By wayof example and not limitation, the wireless power transmitcharacteristics can include phase settings for each antenna ortransceiver, transmission power settings, etc.

As discussed herein, the wireless power transmission system 501determines the wireless power transmit characteristics such that, oncethe antennas or transceivers are configured, the multiple antennas ortransceivers are operable to transit a wireless power signal thatmatches the client radiation and reception pattern in thethree-dimensional space proximate to the client device. FIG. 5Billustrates the wireless power transmission system 501 transmittingwireless power via paths P1-P3 to the wireless device 502.Advantageously, as discussed herein, the wireless power signal matchesthe client radiation and reception pattern 510 in the three-dimensionalspace proximate to the client device. Said another way, the wirelesspower transmission system will transmit the wireless power signals inthe direction in which the wireless power receiver has maximum gain,e.g., will receive the most wireless power. As a result, no signals aresent in directions in which the wireless power receiver cannot receivepower, e.g., nulls and blockages. In some embodiments, the wirelesspower transmission system 501 measures the RSSI of the received beaconsignal and if the beacon is less than a threshold value, the wirelesspower transmission system will not send wireless power over that path.

The three paths shown in the example of FIGS. 5A and 5B are illustratedfor simplicity, it is appreciated that any number of paths can beutilized for transmitting power to the wireless device 502 depending on,among other factors, reflective and absorptive objects in the wirelesspower delivery environment.

Although the example of FIG. 5A illustrates transmitting a beacon (orcalibration) signal in the direction of the radiation and receptionpattern 510, it is appreciated that, in some embodiments, beacon signalscan alternatively or additionally be omni-directionally transmitted.

II. Reconfigurable Client Antennas

Wireless power receiver clients have radiation and reception patterns inthe three-dimensional space proximate to the devices in which they areembedded and/or otherwise associated. Today, most wireless powerreceiver clients have radiation and reception patterns that are staticor fixed relative to the position of the client device in which thewireless power receiver is embedded and/or otherwise associated. Thismeans that the radiation and reception patterns are not always directedfor optimal (or maximum available) wireless power transfer. For example,a user might orient the device in a position from which little or nopower can be received. To overcome these and other issues, wirelesspower receiver clients are discussed herein with dynamic reconfigurableantenna configurations.

In some embodiments, a wireless power receiver client (or controllerassociated therewith) intelligently modifies its configuration, e.g.,tilts its radiation pattern, for optimal power transfer. For example,the tilt can be adjusted to cause the radiation power to be directed inthe line of sight of the wireless power transmission system(transmitter). Alternatively or additionally, the tilt can be adjustedto cause the radiation pattern to be directed toward reflective materialin the multipath environment so that a wireless power transmissionsystem can optimally reach the power receiver client via multipath.

The configurations discussed herein can include one or more ofreconfiguring the antenna pattern, the antenna polarization, thegain/beam width and/or the type or kind of one or more antennas of aswitchable antenna array. Other configurations including combinations orvariations thereof are also possible.

FIG. 6 depicts a flow diagram illustrating an example process fordetermining whether to reconfigure a radiation and reception pattern(“antenna pattern”) of a client antenna (or client antenna array),according to some embodiments. A wireless device and/or a wireless powerreceiver embedded in the wireless device such as, for example, wirelesspower receiver client 400 of FIG. 4 can, among other functions, performthe example process 600.

To begin, at step 610 the wireless power receiver monitors at least onecharacteristic of wireless power received from a wireless powertransmission system in a multipath environment after an initialbeaconing (or calibration) process. The at least one characteristic canbe, among other characteristics, a measure of the received power, one ormore signal strength (RSSI) measurements, etc.

At decision step 612, the wireless power receiver determines when themeasure of the at least one characteristic fails to meet a presetthreshold value, e.g., the received wireless power drops below a presetvalue or threshold (e.g., 1.5 Watts). At step 614, when the at leastcharacteristic fails to meet the preset threshold, the wireless powerreceiver dynamically reconfigures its antenna configuration. Asdiscussed herein, reconfiguring the antenna configuration can includeone or more of reconfiguring the antenna pattern, the antennapolarization, the gain/beam width and/or the type or kind of one or moreantennas of a switchable antenna array. In some embodiments, a secondbeaconing process can be initiated to ensure that the new configurationis the optimal configuration.

FIG. 7 depicts a flow diagram illustrating an example process forreconfiguring a wireless power receiver's antenna configuration toimprove wireless power transfer, according to some embodiments. Asdiscussed herein, an optimal antenna configuration is the antennaconfiguration that provides the most wireless power transfer. Theconfigurations can include one or more of the following, includingcombinations or variations thereof: pattern configurations (see FIGS. 8Aand 8B), polarization configurations (FIG. 9), gain/beam width antennaconfigurations (FIGS. 10A-11B), and/or various antenna (or array) kindor type configurations (FIG. 12). Other configurations are alsopossible.

To begin, at step 710 the wireless power receiver selects an antennaconfiguration setting from multiple preset antenna configurationsettings. The wireless power receiver can have any number ofconfiguration settings from which to cycle through when, for example,the received power drops below a threshold. At step 712, the wirelesspower receiver reconfigures the antenna (or antenna array) configurationbased on the selected antenna configuration setting. As discussedherein, the antenna can be configured in any number of ways. By way ofexample, there can be pattern reconfigurable antenna structures on theantenna when its designed, and switching those, the pattern can bereconfigured. Alternatively, or additionally, the system can haveswitches and turning them on or off in particular sequences can activateparticular patterns. The switches can be, for example, pin diode or MEMSswitches that can turn on or off using bias voltages. These types ofswitches typically shorten or lengthen some designed features on theantenna and, based on where the switches are located, the shape andpattern of the antenna can be dynamically modified.

At step 714, the wireless power receiver measures at least onecharacteristic of the wireless power receiver with the current antennaconfiguration. At decision step 716, the wireless power receiverdetermines if it has cycled through all of the preset antennaconfiguration settings. If not, the process continues at step 710.Otherwise, at step 718, the wireless power receiver selects an optimalantenna configuration setting that provides the greatest wireless powertransfer and, at 720, reconfigures the antenna (or antenna array)configuration based on the optimal antenna configuration setting.

FIGS. 8A and 8B depict diagrams illustrating an example patternreconfigurable client antenna in a multipath wireless power deliveryenvironment, according to some embodiments. The multipath wireless powerdelivery environment includes a wireless device 802 having one or morewireless power receiver clients with one or more client antennas and awireless power transmission system 801. The wireless device and thewireless power receiver clients can be wireless device 102 of FIG. 1 andwireless power receiver client 103 of FIG. 1 or wireless power receiverclient 400 of FIG. 4, respectively, although alternative configurationsare possible. Likewise, wireless power transmission system can bewireless power transmission system 101 FIG. 1 or wireless powertransmission system 300 of FIG. 3, although alternative configurationsare possible.

As shown in the examples of FIGS. 8A and 8B, the multipath wirelesspower delivery environment also includes various reflective objects orsurfaces 806 a and non- or less reflective surfaces 806 b that thesystem uses for the purposes of multipath. The examples of FIGS. 8A and8B illustrate various operational scenarios for dynamicallyreconfiguring and/or otherwise tilting the radiation and receptionpattern (“antenna pattern”) of a client antenna for improved wirelesspower transfer. More specifically, in the examples of FIGS. 8A and 8B,the client device beacons and subsequently monitors the amount of powerthat it receives during a power cycle. If the power drops below athreshold, e.g., 1.5 Watts, then client device can decide to reconfigurethe antenna pattern.

Referring first to FIG. 8A, the client antenna pattern 810 a isinitially oriented in a direction opposite that of the wireless charger801 (at step 1). The client device beacons and subsequently monitors theamount of power that it receives during a power cycle. Morespecifically, the antenna pattern is directed toward walls of themultipath wireless power delivery environment which are not completelyreflective. The waves or signals emitted during the beaconing processfrom the antenna pattern lose their strength as they reflect off of theabsorptive materials/surfaces. Accordingly, the power received dropsbelow the threshold. Next, (at step 2) the client device reconfiguresthe antenna pattern 810 b toward the reflective material in the room sothat the wireless power delivery is improved (via one or more reflectivesurfaces).

In the example of FIG. 8B, the client antenna pattern 810 c is initiallyoriented in a direction not facing the charger 801 and there are noideal reflective surfaces to reflect the signals and find a suitablylow-loss path to the charger. Like the example of FIG. 8A, the clientdevice beacons and subsequently monitors the amount of power that itreceives during a power cycle. Because the paths to the charger are toolossy, the client device determines that the amount of power isinsufficient, e.g., less than a threshold value, and (at step 4) theclient device reconfigures the antenna pattern 810 d such that a directline of sight path to the charger is established. More specifically, theclient device tilts the antenna pattern 810 d to employ a direct path tothe wireless charger 801. This way the max possible power will bedelivered to the client without the need of physically turning/rotatingthe client by the user. The patterns can be selected and cycled throughas discussed in FIG. 7.

FIG. 9 depicts a diagram illustrating an example polarizationreconfigurable antenna in a multipath wireless power deliveryenvironment, according to some embodiments. More specifically, theexample of FIG. 9 illustrates a wireless device or a wireless powerreceiver client utilizing a reconfigurable polarization antenna to matchor attempt to match the polarization of the wireless power transmissionsystem (wireless charger). The wireless power receiver client can bewireless power receiver client 103 of FIG. 1 or wireless power receiverclient 400 of FIG. 4, respectively, although alternative configurationsare possible. Likewise, wireless power transmission system can bewireless power transmission system 101 FIG. 1 or wireless powertransmission system 300 of FIG. 3, although alternative configurationsare possible.

Referring to FIG. 9, if a receiver has a polarization that is notabsorbing the maximum power from the transmitter due to polarizationmismatch, the receiver can reconfigure its polarization so that itmatches the radiated wave from the charger (transmitter). The example ofFIG. 9 shows two cases: 1) the receiver has a vertical linear polarizedantenna and the charger has an inclined linear polarization. As aresult, a polarization loss factor (PLF) exists; and 2) the receiveradjusts its polarization to inclined linear in order to match thecharger. This way, the received power will be maximized.

By way of example, if a user is holding a phone (wireless device) rightin front of the charger (e.g., WPTS), but with a small angle, e.g., thephone is rotated approximately 90 degrees, then the pattern is okay butthere is a polarization loss factor which is based on the differencebetween the two linear polarizations. Assuming that the receiver and thetransmitter have vertical polarizations, and the receiver also has avertical polarization.

In some embodiments, a receiver might have more than one polarization,but a single polarization may be implemented to reduce thesize/complexity of the system, etc. So if the transmitter and thereceiver have vertical polarizations and the device is held or placedwith a 45-degree rotation relative to the transmitter. In this case,wireless power is still transferred to the device (receiver), but aportion of the power is lost due to the 45-degree difference between thepolarizations.

Accordingly, the antenna on the receiver can detect, for example, thatthe received power is below a preset level or threshold and attempt totilt the polarization to improve wireless power transfer. By way ofexample, in some embodiments, the tilt can be adjusted using theswitches on the receiver. The polarization can be tilted to variousfixed settings until a threshold power is received. Alternatively, thepolarization can be titled by cycling through each of multiple fixedsettings. Once the cycle is complete, the setting that provides thehighest wireless power transfer is selected.

Although the example of FIG. 9 describes two systems with linearpolarity, it is appreciated that various other polarities could also beutilized. For example, the polarizations could be linear, elliptical,left-handed, right-handed, circular, etc., and system can switch betweenthem as necessary to improve wireless power transfer.

In another example of operation, the transmitter and the receiver couldhave a right-handed circular polarization. In this example, assume thewireless device, e.g., phone, is oriented such that it receivesreflections which cause the polarization to flip to left-handed. In suchcases, the receiver would not receive any wireless power. However, thetechniques discussed herein facilitate switching the polarization at thereceiver back to left-handed so that power can again be received. Forexample, the system can cycle through various polarizations measuringthe power for each configuration (as discussed in greater detail in thealgorithm of FIG. 7) to identify, select and configure the receiver withthe polarization that results in optimal wireless power transfer.

FIGS. 10A-10B depict block diagrams illustrating an examplereconfigurable gain/beam-width switchable antenna array, according tosome embodiments. More specifically, the example of FIGS. 10A-10Billustrate a reconfigurable antenna array having four antennas withdynamically adjustable beam-width. A wireless device or a wireless powerreceiver client can utilize a reconfigurable gain/beam-width switchableantenna array. The wireless power receiver client can be wireless powerreceiver client 103 of FIG. 1 or wireless power receiver client 400 ofFIG. 4, respectively, although alternative configurations are possible.Likewise, wireless power transmission system can be wireless powertransmission system 101 of FIG. 1 or wireless power transmission system300 of FIG. 3, although alternative configurations are possible.

By using multiple antennas on the client, the gain of the client antennawill be higher meaning the client receives higher levels of power at thesame distance or can receive same levels of power at further distances.Higher gain for the client antenna also means longer range. However,having a higher gain also means that the coverage width of the beam ofthe client will be decreased. The techniques described herein takeadvantage of multi-antennas and to dynamically adjust for improvedreception wherein necessary, e.g., avoid lower reception in certainangles, etc.

By way of example, assume the client tries to receive power using theconnected four antennas. If the power is lower than a certain predefinedlevel, then the client controller will turn off three of the antennasand turn on one single antenna to have a wider beam width in order toreceive a higher level of power. This process is referred to herein as again reconfigurable (switchable) antenna system for the client. In orderto maximize the received power in all conditions, this is necessary.High gain and a narrow beam might be useful for a LINE OF SIGHT (LOS)situation, but for a multi path it might not work in the favor of highpower reception. A wider beam-width means the antenna can see all thepossible paths through reflective surfaces.

In some embodiments, the client controller will cycle through variousgain configurations to determine which gain (beam-width) configurationprovides the most wireless power transfer. For example, FIG. 10B depictsantenna 1 activated and antennas 2, 3 and 4 deactivated to create awider beam width. FIGS. 11A and 11B illustrate side views of examplebeam widths using all four antennas and using only one of the antennas,respectively. As shown, using a fewer (e.g., a single antenna) achievesa wider beam width and lower gain.

FIG. 12 depicts a block diagram illustrating an example reconfigurableswitchable antenna array, according to some embodiments. Morespecifically, the example of FIG. 12 illustrates a dynamicallyreconfigurable antenna array having the ability to switch betweendifferent antennas in order to achieve various different receivingpatterns. A wireless device or a wireless power receiver client canutilize a reconfigurable gain/beam-width switchable antenna array. Thewireless power receiver client can be wireless power receiver client 103of FIG. 1 or wireless power receiver client 400 of FIG. 4, respectively,although alternative configurations are possible. Likewise, wirelesspower transmission system can be wireless power transmission system 101FIG. 1 or wireless power transmission system 300 of FIG. 3, althoughalternative configurations are possible.

As discussed above, different antennas can be used on the client inorder to achieve different receiving patterns. For example, antennas 1and 2 of FIG. 12 can be omnidirectional antennas whereas antennas 3 and4 can be directional antennas with higher gain. This means that, basedon the conditions and the environment, the client (client controller)can choose between different antennas or alternatively cycle betweendifferent configurations to identify and/or otherwise determine theconfiguration that provides optimum wireless power transfer based on thecurrent orientation of the wireless device.

As shown in the example of FIG. 12, antennas 1 and 2 are two-sidedantennas with lower gain. Consequently, if the power is coming from adirection that the client's front side cannot capture, the client willchoose the omnidirectional (two-sided) antennas in order to receivepower from the back. Of course the gain of the two-sided antennas islower in comparison to directional antennas, but if the power receiveddrops below a threshold receiving the device can determine whichconfiguration proved the maximum wireless power transfer. If the clientis facing the transmitter, then the one-sided directional antennas (3,and 4) will be used to have a higher gain. In some embodiments, theantennas operate in pairs so that the gain of each pair is alsocontrollable, i.e. the situation of item #3.

Example Systems

FIG. 13 depicts a block diagram illustrating example components of arepresentative mobile device or tablet computer 1300 with a wirelesspower receiver or client in the form of a mobile (or smart) phone ortablet computer device, according to an embodiment. Various interfacesand modules are shown with reference to FIG. 13, however, the mobiledevice or tablet computer does not require all of modules or functionsfor performing the functionality described herein. It is appreciatedthat, in many embodiments, various components are not included and/ornecessary for operation of the category controller. For example,components such as GPS radios, cellular radios, and accelerometers maynot be included in the controllers to reduce costs and/or complexity.Additionally, components such as ZigBee radios and RFID transceivers,along with antennas, can populate the Printed Circuit Board.

The wireless power receiver client can be a power receiver client 103 ofFIG. 1, although alternative configurations are possible. Additionally,the wireless power receiver client can include one or more RF antennasfor reception of power and/or data signals from a power transmissionsystem, e.g., wireless power transmission system 101 of FIG. 1.

FIG. 14 depicts a diagrammatic representation of a machine, in theexample form, of a computer system within which a set of instructions,for causing the machine to perform any one or more of the methodologiesdiscussed herein, may be executed.

In the example of FIG. 14, the computer system includes a processor,memory, non-volatile memory, and an interface device. Various commoncomponents (e.g., cache memory) are omitted for illustrative simplicity.The computer system 1400 is intended to illustrate a hardware device onwhich any of the components depicted in the example of FIG. 1 (and anyother components described in this specification) can be implemented.For example, the computer system can be any radiating object or antennaarray system. The computer system can be of any applicable known orconvenient type. The components of the computer system can be coupledtogether via a bus or through some other known or convenient device.

The processor may be, for example, a conventional microprocessor such asan Intel Pentium microprocessor or Motorola power PC microprocessor. Oneof skill in the relevant art will recognize that the terms“machine-readable (storage) medium” or “computer-readable (storage)medium” include any type of device that is accessible by the processor.

The memory is coupled to the processor by, for example, a bus. Thememory can include, by way of example but not limitation, random accessmemory (RAM), such as dynamic RAM (DRAM) and static RAM (SRAM). Thememory can be local, remote, or distributed.

The bus also couples the processor to the non-volatile memory and driveunit. The non-volatile memory is often a magnetic floppy or hard disk, amagnetic-optical disk, an optical disk, a read-only memory (ROM), suchas a CD-ROM, EPROM, or EEPROM, a magnetic or optical card, or anotherform of storage for large amounts of data. Some of this data is oftenwritten, by a direct memory access process, into memory during executionof software in the computer 1400. The non-volatile storage can be local,remote, or distributed. The non-volatile memory is optional becausesystems can be created with all applicable data available in memory. Atypical computer system will usually include at least a processor,memory, and a device (e.g., a bus) coupling the memory to the processor.

Software is typically stored in the non-volatile memory and/or the driveunit. Indeed, for large programs, it may not even be possible to storethe entire program in the memory. Nevertheless, it should be understoodthat for software to run, if necessary, it is moved to a computerreadable location appropriate for processing, and for illustrativepurposes, that location is referred to as the memory in this paper. Evenwhen software is moved to the memory for execution, the processor willtypically make use of hardware registers to store values associated withthe software, and local cache that, ideally, serves to speed upexecution. As used herein, a software program is assumed to be stored atany known or convenient location (from non-volatile storage to hardwareregisters) when the software program is referred to as “implemented in acomputer-readable medium”. A processor is considered to be “configuredto execute a program” when at least one value associated with theprogram is stored in a register readable by the processor.

The bus also couples the processor to the network interface device. Theinterface can include one or more of a modem or network interface. Itwill be appreciated that a modem or network interface can be consideredto be part of the computer system. The interface can include an analogmodem, isdn modem, cable modem, token ring interface, satellitetransmission interface (e.g. “direct PC”), or other interfaces forcoupling a computer system to other computer systems. The interface caninclude one or more input and/or output devices. The I/O devices caninclude, by way of example but not limitation, a keyboard, a mouse orother pointing device, disk drives, printers, a scanner, and other inputand/or output devices, including a display device. The display devicecan include, by way of example but not limitation, a cathode ray tube(CRT), liquid crystal display (LCD), or some other applicable known orconvenient display device. For simplicity, it is assumed thatcontrollers of any devices not depicted in the example of FIG. 14 residein the interface.

In operation, the computer system 1400 can be controlled by operatingsystem software that includes a file management system, such as a diskoperating system. One example of operating system software withassociated file management system software is the family of operatingsystems known as Windows® from Microsoft Corporation of Redmond, Wash.,and their associated file management systems. Another example ofoperating system software with its associated file management systemsoftware is the Linux operating system and its associated filemanagement system. The file management system is typically stored in thenon-volatile memory and/or drive unit and causes the processor toexecute the various acts required by the operating system to input andoutput data and to store data in the memory, including storing files onthe non-volatile memory and/or drive unit.

Some portions of the detailed description may be presented in terms ofalgorithms and symbolic representations of operations on data bitswithin a computer memory. These algorithmic descriptions andrepresentations are the means used by those skilled in the dataprocessing arts to most effectively convey the substance of their workto others skilled in the art. An algorithm is here, and generally,conceived to be a self-consistent sequence of operations leading to adesired result. The operations are those requiring physicalmanipulations of physical quantities. Usually, though not necessarily,these quantities take the form of electrical or magnetic signals capableof being stored, transferred, combined, compared, and otherwisemanipulated. It has proven convenient at times, principally for reasonsof common usage, to refer to these signals as bits, values, elements,symbols, characters, terms, numbers, or the like.

It should be borne in mind, however, that all of these and similar termsare to be associated with the appropriate physical quantities and aremerely convenient labels applied to these quantities. Unlessspecifically stated otherwise, as apparent from the followingdiscussion, it is appreciated that throughout the description,discussions utilizing terms such as “processing” or “computing” or“calculating” or “determining” or “displaying” or the like, refer to theaction and processes of a computer system, or similar electroniccomputing device, that manipulates and transforms data represented asphysical (electronic) quantities within the computer system's registersand memories into other data similarly represented as physicalquantities within the computer system memories or registers or othersuch information storage, transmission or display devices.

The algorithms and displays presented herein are not inherently relatedto any particular computer or other apparatus. Various general purposesystems may be used with programs in accordance with the teachingsherein, or it may prove convenient to construct more specializedapparatus to perform the methods of some embodiments. The requiredstructure for a variety of these systems will appear from thedescription below. In addition, the techniques are not described withreference to any particular programming language, and variousembodiments may thus be implemented using a variety of programminglanguages.

In alternative embodiments, the machine operates as a standalone deviceor may be connected (e.g., networked) to other machines. In a networkeddeployment, the machine may operate in the capacity of a server or aclient machine in a client-server network environment or as a peermachine in a peer-to-peer (or distributed) network environment.

The machine may be a server computer, a client computer, a personalcomputer (PC), a tablet PC, a laptop computer, a set-top box (STB), apersonal digital assistant (PDA), a cellular telephone, an iPhone, aBlackberry, a processor, a telephone, a web appliance, a network router,switch or bridge, or any machine capable of executing a set ofinstructions (sequential or otherwise) that specify actions to be takenby that machine.

While the machine-readable medium or machine-readable storage medium isshown in an exemplary embodiment to be a single medium, the term“machine-readable medium” and “machine-readable storage medium” shouldbe taken to include a single medium or multiple media (e.g., acentralized or distributed database, and/or associated caches andservers) that store the one or more sets of instructions. The term“machine-readable medium” and “machine-readable storage medium” shallalso be taken to include any medium that is capable of storing, encodingor carrying a set of instructions for execution by the machine and thatcause the machine to perform any one or more of the methodologies of thepresently disclosed technique and innovation.

In general, the routines executed to implement the embodiments of thedisclosure, may be implemented as part of an operating system or aspecific application, component, program, object, module or sequence ofinstructions referred to as “computer programs.” The computer programstypically comprise one or more instructions set at various times invarious memory and storage devices in a computer, and that, when readand executed by one or more processing units or processors in acomputer, cause the computer to perform operations to execute elementsinvolving the various aspects of the disclosure.

Moreover, while embodiments have been described in the context of fullyfunctioning computers and computer systems, those skilled in the artwill appreciate that the various embodiments are capable of beingdistributed as a program product in a variety of forms, and that thedisclosure applies equally regardless of the particular type of machineor computer-readable media used to actually effect the distribution.

Further examples of machine-readable storage media, machine-readablemedia, or computer-readable (storage) media include but are not limitedto recordable type media such as volatile and non-volatile memorydevices, floppy and other removable disks, hard disk drives, opticaldisks (e.g., Compact Disk Read-Only Memory (CD ROMS), Digital VersatileDisks, (DVDs), etc.), among others, and transmission type media such asdigital and analog communication links.

Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout thedescription and the claims, the words “comprise,” “comprising,” and thelike are to be construed in an inclusive sense, as opposed to anexclusive or exhaustive sense; that is to say, in the sense of“including, but not limited to.” As used herein, the terms “connected,”“coupled,” or any variant thereof, means any connection or coupling,either direct or indirect, between two or more elements; the coupling ofconnection between the elements can be physical, logical, or acombination thereof. Additionally, the words “herein,” “above,” “below,”and words of similar import, when used in this application, shall referto this application as a whole and not to any particular portions ofthis application. Where the context permits, words in the above DetailedDescription using the singular or plural number may also include theplural or singular number respectively. The word “or,” in reference to alist of two or more items, covers all of the following interpretationsof the word: any of the items in the list, all of the items in the list,and any combination of the items in the list.

The above detailed description of embodiments of the disclosure is notintended to be exhaustive or to limit the teachings to the precise formdisclosed above. While specific embodiments of, and examples for, thedisclosure are described above for illustrative purposes, variousequivalent modifications are possible within the scope of thedisclosure, as those skilled in the relevant art will recognize. Forexample, while processes or blocks are presented in a given order,alternative embodiments may perform routines having steps, or employsystems having blocks, in a different order, and some processes orblocks may be deleted, moved, added, subdivided, combined, and/ormodified to provide alternative or subcombinations. Each of theseprocesses or blocks may be implemented in a variety of different ways.Also, while processes or blocks are, at times, shown as being performedin a series, these processes or blocks may instead be performed inparallel, or may be performed at different times. Further, any specificnumbers noted herein are only examples: alternative implementations mayemploy differing values or ranges.

The teachings of the disclosure provided herein can be applied to othersystems, not necessarily the system described above. The elements andacts of the various embodiments described above can be combined toprovide further embodiments.

Any patents and applications and other references noted above, includingany that may be listed in accompanying filing papers, are incorporatedherein by reference. Aspects of the disclosure can be modified, ifnecessary, to employ the systems, functions, and concepts of the variousreferences described above to provide yet further embodiments of thedisclosure.

These and other changes can be made to the disclosure in light of theabove Detailed Description. While the above description describescertain embodiments of the disclosure, and describes the best modecontemplated, no matter how detailed the above appears in text, theteachings can be practiced in many ways. Details of the system may varyconsiderably in its implementation details, while still beingencompassed by the subject matter disclosed herein. As noted above,particular terminology used when describing certain features or aspectsof the disclosure should not be taken to imply that the terminology isbeing redefined herein to be restricted to any specific characteristics,features, or aspects of the disclosure with which that terminology isassociated. In general, the terms used in the following claims shouldnot be construed to limit the disclosure to the specific embodimentsdisclosed in the specification, unless the above Detailed Descriptionsection explicitly defines such terms. Accordingly, the actual scope ofthe disclosure encompasses not only the disclosed embodiments, but alsoall equivalent ways of practicing or implementing the disclosure underthe claims.

While certain aspects of the disclosure are presented below in certainclaim forms, the inventors contemplate the various aspects of thedisclosure in any number of claim forms. For example, while only oneaspect of the disclosure is recited as a means-plus-function claim under35 U.S.C. §112, ¶6, other aspects may likewise be embodied as ameans-plus-function claim, or in other forms, such as being embodied ina computer-readable medium. (Any claims intended to be treated under 35U.S.C. §112, ¶6 will begin with the words “means for”.) Accordingly, theapplicant reserves the right to add additional claims after filing theapplication to pursue such additional claim forms for other aspects ofthe disclosure.

The detailed description provided herein may be applied to othersystems, not necessarily only the system described above. The elementsand acts of the various examples described above can be combined toprovide further implementations of the invention. Some alternativeimplementations of the invention may include not only additionalelements to those implementations noted above, but also may includefewer elements. These and other changes can be made to the invention inlight of the above Detailed Description. While the above descriptiondefines certain examples of the invention, and describes the best modecontemplated, no matter how detailed the above appears in text, theinvention can be practiced in many ways. Details of the system may varyconsiderably in its specific implementation, while still beingencompassed by the invention disclosed herein. As noted above,particular terminology used when describing certain features or aspectsof the invention should not be taken to imply that the terminology isbeing redefined herein to be restricted to any specific characteristics,features, or aspects of the invention with which that terminology isassociated. In general, the terms used in the following claims shouldnot be construed to limit the invention to the specific examplesdisclosed in the specification, unless the above Detailed Descriptionsection explicitly defines such terms. Accordingly, the actual scope ofthe invention encompasses not only the disclosed examples, but also allequivalent ways of practicing or implementing the invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A wireless power receiver apparatus comprising:one or more radio frequency (RF) antennas; power metering circuitryadapted to measure at least one characteristic of wireless powerreceived from a wireless power transmission system in a multipathenvironment; and control circuitry adapted to: monitor the powermetering circuitry to determine when a measure of the at least onecharacteristic of the wireless power fails to meet a preset threshold;and dynamically reconfigure an antenna configuration of the wirelesspower receiver apparatus when the at least one characteristic of thewireless power fails to meet the preset threshold.
 2. The wireless powerreceiver apparatus of claim 1, wherein to dynamically reconfigure theantenna configuration, the control circuitry is adapted to: cyclethrough multiple configuration settings to identify a configurationsetting yielding a maximum available wireless power transfer, whereineach configuration setting modifies one or more attributes of theantenna configuration.
 3. The wireless power receiver apparatus of claim2, wherein to cycle through the multiple configuration settings, thecontrol circuitry is adapted to: for each of the multiple configurationsettings, reconfigure the antenna configuration based on theconfiguration setting; and measure the at least one characteristic usingthe configuration setting.
 4. The wireless power receiver apparatus ofclaim 3, wherein to cycle through the multiple configuration settings,the control circuitry is further adapted to: compare each measure of theat least one characteristic of the wireless power to identify thecorresponding configuration setting yielding the maximum availablewireless power transfer.
 5. The wireless power receiver apparatus ofclaim 4, wherein the control circuitry is further adapted to:reconfigure the antenna configuration based on the configuration settingyielding the maximum available wireless power transfer.
 6. The wirelesspower receiver apparatus of claim 2, wherein the one or more attributesof the antenna configuration include one or more antenna radiationpatterns, antenna polarizations, or gain/beam widths.
 7. The wirelesspower receiver apparatus of claim 2, wherein one or more of theconfiguration settings adjust a type of the one or more RF antennas, andwherein the one or more RF antennas comprise a switchable antenna array.8. The wireless power receiver apparatus of claim 1, wherein the atleast one characteristic of wireless power comprises a measure ofwireless power received by the wireless power receiver apparatus.
 9. Thewireless power receiver apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least onecharacteristic of wireless power comprises one or more signal strengthmeasurements of the wireless power received by the wireless powerreceiver apparatus.
 10. A method of operating a wireless power receiverapparatus, the method comprising: monitoring, by the wireless powerreceiver apparatus, at least one characteristic of wireless powerreceived from a wireless power transmission system in a multipathenvironment; determining when a measure of the at least onecharacteristic of the wireless power fails to meet a preset threshold;and dynamically reconfiguring an antenna configuration for the wirelesspower receiver apparatus when the at least one characteristic of thewireless power fails to meet the preset threshold.
 11. The method ofclaim 10, wherein dynamically reconfiguring the antenna configurationfor the wireless power receiver apparatus comprises: cycling throughmultiple configuration settings to identify a configuration setting thatyields a maximum available wireless power transfer, wherein eachconfiguration setting modifies one or more attributes of the antennaconfiguration for the wireless power receiver apparatus.
 12. The methodof claim 11, wherein cycling through multiple configuration settingscomprises: for each of the multiple configuration settings,reconfiguring the antenna configuration for the wireless power receiverapparatus based on the configuration setting; and measuring the at leastone characteristic using the configuration setting.
 13. The method ofclaim 12, wherein cycling through the multiple configuration settingsfurther comprises: comparing each measure of the at least onecharacteristic of the wireless power to identify the correspondingconfiguration setting yielding the maximum available wireless powertransfer.
 14. The method of claim 13, further comprising: reconfiguringthe antenna configuration for the wireless power receiver apparatusbased on the configuration setting yielding the maximum availablewireless power transfer.
 15. The method of claim 11, wherein the one ormore attributes of the antenna configuration include one or more antennaradiation patterns, antenna polarizations, or gain/beam widths.
 16. Themethod of claim 11, wherein one or more of the configuration settingsadjust a type of one or more RF antennas, and wherein the one or more RFantennas comprise a switchable antenna array.
 17. The method of claim10, wherein the at least one characteristic of wireless power comprisesa measure of the wireless power received by the wireless power receiverapparatus.
 18. An apparatus comprising: one or more computer readablestorage media; and program instructions stored on the one or morecomputer readable storage media, wherein the program instructions, whenexecuted by one or more processing systems, direct the one or moreprocessing system to: monitor a power metering circuit to determine whena measure of at least one characteristic of received wireless powerfails to meet a preset threshold; and dynamically reconfigure an antennaconfiguration of a wireless power receiver apparatus when the at leastone characteristic of the wireless power fails to meet the presetthreshold.
 19. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein to dynamicallyreconfigure the antenna configuration, the program instructions, whenexecuted by the one or more processing systems, further directs the oneor more processing systems to: cycle through multiple configurationsettings to identify a configuration setting yielding a maximumavailable wireless power transfer, wherein each configuration settingmodifies one or more attributes of the antenna configuration.
 20. Theapparatus of claim 19, wherein to dynamically reconfigure the antennaconfiguration, the program instructions, when executed by the one ormore processing systems, further directs the one or more processingsystems to: for each of the multiple configuration settings, reconfigurethe antenna configuration based on the configuration setting; andmeasure the at least one characteristic using the configuration setting.